Long Live the Dictatorship! – drMáriás’s Grand Retrospective in Budapest
A provocative celebration of 40 years of art and music
From January 30 to April 30, 2026, the Godot Institute of Contemporary Art in Budapest (1036 Budapest, Fényes Adolf utca 21) hosts a bold and thought-provoking exhibition titled “Long Live the Dictatorship!”, the largest solo show ever by the Hungarian multitalented artist drMáriás.
Marking two milestones — the artist’s 60th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his legendary band Tudósok — this extensive 1100 m² retrospective invites visitors to step into drMáriás’s unmistakable creative world, where grotesque humor, irony, and political reflection merge with deeply personal narratives.
The exhibition spans decades of work, from the rebellious energy of his early punk-inspired paintings to later pieces exploring social and historical commentary. As the organizers describe it, the show does not seek to offer explanations — instead, it opens space for visitors to form their own interpretations, connecting laughter and discomfort, absurdity and beauty.
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What to expect
The Godot Institute is completely transformed: paintings, iconic figures, and multimedia elements blend music, visuals, and satire. The works reflect a society seen through the lens of irony — a place where the “dictatorship” exists only on canvas, holding up a mirror to the present with sharp humor and emotional intensity.
The exhibition’s tone is rebellious yet accessible, inviting both art lovers and curious tourists to reflect on the absurdities of contemporary life.
Exhibition details
- Exhibition title: Long Live the Dictatorship!
- Artist: drMáriás
- Venue: Godot Institute of Contemporary Art, 1036 Budapest, Fényes Adolf utca 21
- Dates: January 30 – April 30, 2026
- Opening hours: Thursday–Sunday, 14:00–19:00
- Admission: tickets are available at the venue and online
Whether you’re into contemporary art in Budapest, intrigued by politically charged creativity, or simply seeking an unforgettable cultural program, this exhibition offers an unfiltered look at a world where art challenges authority — with humor, color, and insight.